Cancer Immunology Research: A One-Year Anniversary

With this issue, Cancer Immunology Research marks its first year of publication. At the launch during the 2013 AACR Annual Meeting, the journal aspired to serve both as an accessible, general resource of immunology for the greater cancer research community and as a forum for presenting high-impact investigation that advances knowledge in cancer immunology. Toward these goals, the journal has established several features over the past year that have helped educate the community and foster new research. The “Masters of Immunology” series has featured elegant primers on basic aspects of cancer immunology from a remarkably distinguished group of immunologists. Collectively, these pieces weave together a narrative that deconvolutes the complexity of the immune response and clarifies the mysteries that remain to be solved. The “Cancer Immunology at the Crossroads” series has illuminated the intersection of immunology with other disciplines in cancer research and medicine, helping to identify new opportunities for collaborative work. These two didactic features, together with meeting reports and general announcements, are now collected and regularly updated at “Cancer Immunology Essentials” (http://www.canimmessentials.aacrjournals.org), an evolving online educational resource specific to the field of cancer immunology. This unique platform will be valuable to both students and investigators at all levels who wish to learn more about the complex interplay of immunity and cancer. As the site continues to grow, additional non–journal-related content, such as cancer immunology–related news items, will be added.

Complementing these didactic elements, Cancer Immunology Research has published innovative original work that spans the discipline from basic aspects of host–tumor interactions to preclinical model systems to incisive trials in cancer patients. Leading investigators from around the world have contributed their exciting new findings from basic model and human systems as “Cancer Immunology Miniatures,” “Priority Briefs,” and “Research Articles.” Online usage data indicate that Cancer Immunology Research's content is already drawing hundreds of thousands of hits, underscoring the significant interest of the community in this important new journal. In light of the recent acceptance of Cancer Immunology Research for MEDLINE indexing, the influence of the journal in disseminating knowledge will likely continue to escalate at a rapid pace.

Cancer Immunology Research derives its strength, impact, and vision from the many talented and dedicated investigators who serve as Deputy and Senior Editors and members of the Editorial Board. One hundred and fourteen individuals representing 12 countries have devoted their energy and intellect to advancing the mission of the journal. Each has made an invaluable contribution, which, together with the accomplished AACR publications staff and the collaboration with the Cancer Research Institute, has helped set Cancer Immunology Research on an auspicious course. While the pace of progress in cancer immunology and immunotherapy is breathtaking, the journal aspires to help accelerate the translation of these discoveries to clinically efficacious treatments that benefit patients with cancer.